The Private Patient (2008)

P. D. James' Adam Dagliesh book!
I love 'em.
Read em! ! !
Read in 2010. ( )

I always like P.D. James for her intricate plots, and the range of delightful British characters that populate her books. This story did not disappoint in that way, although I found the conclusion a bit contrived. ( )

Maybe I've just changed in my reading tastes, but I did not enjoy this book a whole lot. The murder mystery did not compel me as past books by PD James have done. I liked none of the characters, there was little suspense or engagement. The side story with Emma's friends Annie and Clare -- what was that for, other than to help Dalgliesh realize he might break the law for someone he loved? Any of the philosophical/theological discussions present in other James' novels only comes at the tail end of this story; it was the only mildly intriguing part. However, it seems like that was written first, and the rest of the novel was the background to help the reader understand the lawyer's story, or to give it a context. It would have been better as a short story on its own.

Anyone else notice that as all the more recent stories have been set outside of London, in the countryside? There's a short piece in this book where the character Lettie considers staying at the Manor or touring the world; her nostalgia for London seems to reflect James' own, if the change in novel setting is an indication.

I don't think there will be another Dalgliesh story; all the loose ends have been tied up. An era is over. ( )

Book is divided into three parts. First part is about victim and when murder happens. Drags a lot. Over 120 pages when the setting is made. Victim is private, almost boring, though her background is well-built.

Book two deals with a chapter about each of investigators (Adam Daglish, Kate Miskin and Benton) and their lives before they are summoned to handle the case. They interview, collect facts, and sew thread. There is just one break-through. It is obvious that this revelation has nothing to do with the main murder.

Book three focuses on the assailant, something reader has already begun to suspect. You expect all threads will tie here, but it is too apparent and somehow suggestion is such that reader feels end is not truly what has been shown to be. It is a disappointing feeling; as if you have just been cheated.

Tho whodunnit is why you keep on reading the novel, but it is not primary force. Lot of details have been added to characters and setting. I was at times irritated at detailed description of architecture or interiors of house. Frankly, that put me off.

I have to say Sidney Sheldon, more than a decade ago, provided me more thrill in a mystery (The Naked Face is my favorite.) than James Patterson, P.D. James or Ian Rankin.

( )

Breathes there a man with soul so dead
That never to himself has said...

Perfect description of the first murder victim, and since it was hard to care about the victim,
it was pretty easy to distance oneself from the story as well. ( )